Name Brand Tools-Estate Sale

Colotow · Feb 9, 2011

This gets a little complicated to explain, GF met a lady, her husband passed away. He was a lifelong mechanic.I have a copy of the list, there's 7 pages of tools, mostly SnapOn, some other brands, lot of air tools, a Miller welder, torches, several SnapOn boxes. One box is the Chopper box, couple side boxes. There's also a sheet metal brake, was hard to get a good look at it.
Everything is in Salt Lake City, Utah.

I got volunteered to help her sell them, she's overwhelmed by them, and has no idea how to market them, and is scared of having people see how much she has in her garage. The list was put together by a SnapOn dealer, total current list prices are over $90k.

This isn't a scam, I have a copy of the list of tools, and have seen them. She's hoping for 2/3 of the list price on the name brand stuff, maybe a bit less if it's a larger purchase.

Anyone interested, it's a great way to get good stuff for less, it's all lifetime warranty!
Any questions, Email or PM me, I can get pictures and I have the list.
Bear with me, I'll check for messages, but I've been working 65+ hr weeks, I operate a heavy wrecker, and work has been nuts lately.

My email is (same as my user name) AT Gmail hopefully that will keep the spam to a minimum!! I'm more than willing to call anyone and go over the list, just send me a phone number and good time to call back.

I'm having trouble getting my printer/scanner to load the drivers on the computer, but will try to get the list scanned so I can email it to anyone interested.

*****The list is now ready, PM me an email and i'll send it out******
__________________

mossyboy6 · Feb 9, 2011

Theres no way she'll get 2/3 list price unless they are unused.

Colotow · Feb 9, 2011

neither of us were sure what to ask, she looked into auctioning them, but was told she'd be lucky to see $10k for all of it, minus the commission. She was advised to work thru them, craigslist, networking, I got volunteered because of knowing about forums like this one. most of the tools are used, the one box is the chopper edition, it's nearly new.

Figured we'd at least get the word out on a few forums, see what she gets offered, my thought when I saw them was unless she found the one person who lost all their tools and had an insurance check in hand, it has to be sold piecemeal.

CRTDI · Feb 9, 2011

Start posting them in the classifieds here. I'm sure there will be some folks tripping over each other to get at some of those tools.

stopdroplol · Feb 9, 2011

Here's a similar thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90821

Basically the consensus is you'll have to part everything out and sell them individually. And I would definitely advise against auctioning it. Only one reason people go to auction, to buy stuff they can resell for penny's on the dollar (the only exception to this rule is car auctions). Also, stay away from pawn shops for reasons that should be obvious.

I'd start by finding your big ticket items, the box, complete set, expensive or specialized automotive tools..etc. And then put up some local adds on craigslist/recycler/ebay classifieds. Print out some copies of the list and go around to the local auto shops and drop them off, or just tape it to the door when they close/early morning. For small things your best bet is ebay, and this may sound counterintuitive but it's best to make the starting bid $0.99 as it gets your auction the most views. Sites like this are also another alternative.

As for what you can expect, If you could manage to get 1/3 of the money back i'd consider it an accomplishment. Good-luck.

mrholeshot · Feb 9, 2011

Unless you post photos and prices for each item you are spinning your wheels.

trout · Feb 9, 2011

Colotow said:
neither of us were sure what to ask, she looked into auctioning them, but was told she'd be lucky to see $10k for all of it, minus the commission.

An auction is just the market at work. If you'd get $10k at an online auction like ebay, then $10k is the top dollar you should expect anywhere.

r07d24 · Feb 9, 2011

I have not sold a ton of tools like some of these guys on this forum, but if it was me...
and there was not a "need" for immediate quick cash, I would supplement my monthly income for the next year or so by selling off the tools as sets or individually...

ah, who am I kidding, I would probably hoard at least half and try and make a quick buck on the rest! :lol_hitti

shanker · Feb 9, 2011

I'de suggest ebay for top dollar and would start off auctioning a manageable amount of items at a time.

Then move on to craigslist for the larger items such as the boxes and welders, the stuff that would be a logistical nightmare on ebay because of size

glenmore · Feb 9, 2011

You are starting off on the wrong foot and are destined for disappointment. Yes, the first thing the grieving widow does is call the Snap-On man. She is lost and has no idea what to do. All she knows is there is a pile of receipts for an enormous amount of money. Snap-On man gives her a song and dance about lifetime warranties and how much the tools are worth mostly to try and save face. How is he going to tell someone that 90k worth of stuff is now worth about 5k? And an enormous amount of work is required just to get the 5k. Now here is a chance for the Snap-On guy to really step up and do something useful. He goes thru the box and warranties every possible tool that can be. Every wrench, socket, ratchet that is beat to hell. NO skin off his nose, just a little bit of work. Sprinkle that new chrome in the box and then try and sell it. THAT would be the stand up thing for that Snap-On guy to do.

As mentioned, new tools here go for 2/3 retail sometimes less. Tools in very good shape go for 1/3-1/2 retail. Yes, there are tool catfishes out there, me included that will pay something for beat up tools with the intention of getting them replaced under warranty. But I would bet none of us would be brazen enough to really load up flat rate boxes of stuff to send in for warranty. The Snap-On guy could do that in a heartbeat AND the widow is entitled to that.

I just saw an estate where the same exact scenario was playing out. Upper, lower, side box filled with tools. Pile of receipts. Song and dance from the Snap-On man. At least this song and dance was tempered with "you know it's a bad time to be selling tools". Boxes and tools beat to hell. They were dreaming of numbers like 10k+. I saw 3k maybe 4k.

Displaced Hokie · Feb 9, 2011

She will never get 2/3. 1/2 is rule of thumb on used stuff unless there is something especially unique (i.e. green hard handle screwdrivers).

The truth is there is a trade off. There will be no quick way to generate the max return. If you sell them as a lump or in groups, you'll not make as much. If you do them individual you will do well - but it will take forever.

I feel bad for the lady, but getting rid of that like she thinks she can will be very difficult. Doesn't help that the SO guy is blowing smoke up her **** about what it should be worth.

Beerman · Feb 9, 2011

My advice-which I've given others in this type of situation-is to tell the Snap-On man and any other mobile tool dealers in the area that you'll give them 10% of the final selling price if THEY help you find you a buyer. Any more than 10% is the tool dealer trying to cheat you. My mobile tools dealers had a bunch of guys on their routes that were always interested in purchasing used tools, as opposed to paying full retail.

I've sold several things with my local mobile dealer and they were MORE than happy with this proposal. Of course, I paid them their fee in cash, which I'm guessing didn't find its way onto the books for tax purposes.

I second the comments of the others that have posted in this thread already-the only way to get maximum dollar is to piece them out. There are a number of shysters/scum-of-the earth types out there that will be more than happy to "low-ball" a widow (not just on tools) and then part it out themselves.

Beerman

eborcim · Feb 9, 2011

Start by listing the items here or Craigslist with reasonable prices and pics (1/3 to 1/2 of new)...say 10 things at a time. Organize it by groups, probably the drawers are organized already; e.g. boxed items, wrench sets, socket sets, ratchets, big tools, lump the misc in lots, etc. That will make it easier to keep track until you get the hang of it.

stopdroplol · Feb 9, 2011

trout said:
An auction is just the market at work. If you'd get $10k at an online auction like ebay, then $10k is the top dollar you should expect anywhere.

If everybody in the market participated in the auction then that would be true. In reality the people who participate make up a fraction of a percent. Ebay is a little different but it's still not the complete market.

rhastings80 · Feb 9, 2011

I would put it on Ebay. You really have to know how to use a computer, pay-pal, digital camera etc. You will get the most money on Ebay but realize you will lose a % to Ebay and PayPal as well. Try and sell in small lots too not the whole box for a ton of money loaded with tools. I would expect to get 30-60 % of retail. If these tools are old and well used don't expect to get much. It is nice of you to help but just make sure you set her expectations and your own before hand. Craig's list is a lot of work. I think Ebay is the way to go 100%. Load up on the flat rate boxes from the USPS.

You could always try and sell on here too in the classifieds section. Good detailed pictures plus part numbers and descriptions are a must. I.E. does the tool have any engravings, chipping chrome.

trout · Feb 9, 2011

stopdroplol said:
If everybody in the market participated in the auction then that would be true. In reality the people who participate make up a fraction of a percent. Ebay is a little different but it's still not the complete market.

One can argue that if you're not participating, you're not in the market.

5-0stank · Feb 9, 2011

Why can't this stuff ever be local to me...

I would seriously just post the list, and make sure its numbered, and let people make offers if you want to sell it quick.

MattT · Feb 9, 2011

Feebay, possibly combined with the classifieds here, will likely get you the best prices on shippable items but will be a heck of a lot of work. You're probably looking at 1/2 hour per listing, at least initially, by the time the carrier picks the goods up. You've also got to know what you're doing in order to get, and keep, top money.

If you can find an auction house that knows what they're doing they'll probably be able to get fair prices depending on how trashed your local economy is. IME when truck tools are sold in sets/individually at a well advertised auction timed when techs aren't at work they bring close to feebay prices. Sold off in boxed lots on a Tuesday morning they won't bring anywhere near as much. I've bought boxed lots then immediately sold off what I didn't want to the guys who were bidding against me. Made an instant profit ,and got a free SO pneumatic scraper, on a box of air tools one time

Packard V8 · Feb 9, 2011

Yes, as stated before 2/3 of retail is never, ever going to happen. They wouldn't sell for that on the truck and the Snap-on guy knows that, since he probably sells his used tradeins for 1/3-1/2 of retail and comes to the best possible customers/buyers.

Since I've parted out several full boxes, but still nothing like this $90k hoard, I know how much work it can be. Colotow, you do realize you will be taking on a full-time job? To net $30k on $90k of tools would take someone working on it full time for a couple of months.

Those who are recommending selling it on eBay, do you have any idea how many Flat Rate Boxes that would fill? How many days and hours it would take to sort, photograph, describe, answer dumb questions, pack, address and ship that many tools?

Put the full sets and the most desirable stuff on here a few a week. The Valley of the Saints is plenty large enough to use KSL and craigslist to move the boxes. The oddball stuff and broken sets can then go on eBay.

Just thinking about it tires me out!

jack vines

kc-steve · Feb 9, 2011

I could be wrong, but doesn't Snap-On require warrantied tools be turned into the the truck dealer they were purchased from? . . . pretty much making those tools un-warranty-able? :headscrat

Steve

Pug}{maN · Feb 9, 2011

kc-steve said:
I could be wrong, but doesn't Snap-On require warrantied tools be turned into the the truck dealer they were purchased from? . . . pretty much making those tools un-warranty-able?

Steve

no i just e-mail'd them and they had me ship in the old item and sent me a new one.

kc-steve · Feb 9, 2011

Thanks! did they charge you shipping or processing fees like S-K does now?

Steve

Davefr · Feb 9, 2011

Here's the best case scenario:

Group the modern SO stuff into full sets and ask around 60% shipped. Try the classified here first to avoid the big Ebay fees.

The older SO stuff might command around 40-50%. If tools are engraved then it'll be much less.

The non name brand tools will be pennies on the dollar and probably garage sale material.

For the real large stuff try CL or Ebay local pickup. You might get 25-50% but you'll have to deal with lots of flakes.

All of the above will consume tons of time and efforts.

Like the other have said, getting 2/3 of retail is "fantasy land". If the SO dealer threw this out maybe they were trying to save face for the $90k spent.

Good luck, the used tool market is tough!!

Pug}{maN · Feb 9, 2011

kc-steve said:
Thanks! did they charge you shipping or processing fees like S-K does now?

Steve

i had to ship mine to them, but they shipped to me e-z to do.. :beer:

glenmore · Feb 9, 2011

kc-steve said:
I could be wrong, but doesn't Snap-On require warrantied tools be turned into the the truck dealer they were purchased from? . . . pretty much making those tools un-warranty-able?

Steve

Some trucks will take anything and everything but they do expect at least a ;little biz. Some trucks give you the stink eye and the message is clear, "Get outa here", even though they are supposed to warrant your tools.

Easiest to just send them in.

MattT · Feb 9, 2011

kc-steve said:
I could be wrong, but doesn't Snap-On require warrantied tools be turned into the the truck dealer they were purchased from? . . . pretty much making those tools un-warranty-able?

Absolutely not. Between techs moving and dealer turnover that'd render the warranty worthless. There's a few jerk dealers who'll pull the "you didn't purchase it from me" routine even with their customers. Then there's also the guys that will only warranty tools for their customers which is understandable. Why should they spend their time, and tie up their money, on someone they might never make any money off of.

Either which way if you can't get warranty locally corporate will take care of you.

kc-steve · Feb 10, 2011

Thanks guys. I was just curious as a potential USED Snap-On tool buyer. It seems the warranty is important considering the prices even for used tools.

Steve

Skyline · Feb 10, 2011

Why do we see one of these "trying to help the grieving tech's widow" story every week or so, usually posted by a member with <5 posts????

Do some research yourself, before acting like an Internet troll. There IS a search function on this site. Not to mention all the back threads. You can spend some time watching eBay and Craigslist. Sell ONE tool on eBay to see if you are up to the task of selling a few hundred. Your widow friend can sell this collection for $15-20k if she's lucky. Only a dedicated, hard working and knowledgable seller will be able to double that figure, and a large collection like this is no place for a novice seller without a clue to start.

dkcase · Feb 10, 2011

Skyline said:
Why do we see one of these "trying to help the grieving tech's widow" story every week or so, usually posted by a member with <5 posts????

Not valid. This member has been here almost a year. He obviously hasn't come on to troll and sell these tools.

I looked at my statistics. I have been here almost three years longer than you have. I read at least the General Tool Discussion, General Garage Discussion, and Free Parking more than once every day, and I have just 24 posts. So what ?

OSAO · Feb 10, 2011

I haven't been on here long, and have already seen a few "trying to help grieving widow with tools" posts, all with pretty much the same advise.

There is a reason that eBay consignment stores charge 40% commish: eBay selling is a lot of work! For instance, a $300 used SO wrench set would go for $100 on eBay. Minus eBay fees, less than $90 (or if the grieving widow were to use a commisioned seller, $60 net). As a seller who sometimes does commision sales for other folks, and has also dealt with big lots of tools, I would also charge an additional fee for all the labor involved in moving and dealing with the tools (moving an entire garage full of tools is hard work). No matter how the grieving widow goes about selling the tools, she is looking at $10K maximum net, probably quite a bit less.

If the OP is legit, then he should be aware that he is in for a lot of work (if he is really going to follow through in sellng the tools properly, which would be impossible to do while working 65+ hours per week and having computer issues) and will likely end up looking like the bad guy when the widow ends up with less money than she is hoping for.

The OP probably has good intentions, but there are probably more effective ways for the grieving widow to sell the tools. Unfortunatley, no matter how this happens, the net that she walks with is going to be less than she is wanting.

Davefr · Feb 10, 2011

Skyline said:
Why do we see one of these "trying to help the grieving tech's widow" story every week or so, usually posted by a member with <5 posts????

The OP had a very valid question and every liquidation scenario is unique and worthy of opinions.

I haven't seen "grieving widow" stories clog up the forum. The last one was weeks ago from the well endowed girl.

OSAO · Feb 10, 2011

Yeah, the "well endowed girl" is still posting the $400 lot of tools every other day on Dallas Craigslist. Reduced from $7500 to ONLY $3250.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/2203080251.html

mrholeshot · Feb 10, 2011

OSAO said:
Yeah, the "well endowed girl" is still posting the $400 lot of tools every other day on Dallas Craigslist. Reduced from $7500 to ONLY $3250.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/2203080251.html

Yeah. she will find her way out of wonderland someday

Boiler · Feb 10, 2011

If it really is 90k (modern prices) and things look to be in good shape, the guys are right, an experienced seller (experienced in ebay AND tools) is going to probably pull down $35-$40k before ebay & paypal take their 12-15%. To do this the experienced seller will probably have to invest a minimum of 1000-1500 part time hours (lots of starting and stopping), or working on it full time for 750-1000 hours. So unless someone just wants a 7-15 dollar an hour job selling tools (remember, you still can sell them as a lump sum, so pay on your labor is only on the amount you get higher than lump sum amount), then just sell them lump or in an auction. It's just not the job for a little old lady.

A good auction company, with this amount of tools, will have 200 trucks show up on a saturday, and bring in $15-30k (before their cut). This is probably the most painless way to get a decent return on the collection. If she hires someone to do it ebay, she's going to end up with just about the same amount at the end, but now has to rely on some "ebay selling guy" with her trust vs. a licensed auctioneer.

Scooterfish · Feb 10, 2011

Packard V8 & Skyline have knowledge about selling tool sets. listen to what they are saying. Another beginning option I read on here once. A retiring mech. made a detailed list of his tools priced them 20- 40% of list for truck brand. Then distributated the list to area auto shops setting a sale date. That may be a start.

Colotow · Feb 10, 2011

Well, to address some of the stuff above

I was worried about the low post count, I don't get in here much. I now drive a 30 ton Kenworth wrecker for Bullocks Towing in Salt Lake City, Ut, and I run 5 or 6 states.

My biggest reason for joining here was that the house I bought has (finally) a big enough yard to build a shop (1300-1400 sqft if I can get permitted for it). I was looking for tips and ideas, right now I'll be broke for the next 10 years with what I found on here.

Anyhow, I appreciate all the comments, good and bad, I don't have much experience selling stuff other than a few odds and ends locally on KSL.com. I was here to see what I was up against. The seller has been widowed for a couple years, so she's level-headed, just had no idea where to begin, my role is to help describe, organize, and get her started, and help find places to advertise them, she'd never known about all the truck, tool, garage, and fabrication forums. I volunteered to help, in large part, because I HAVE been on some for a few years, go to Tow411.yuku.com, or powerstroke.org, oilburners, superdutydiesel, dieselbombers,coloradoK5, townation, I'm the only Colotow as far as I know. I had a lot more time during the 3 1/2 years I was a KBR Services contractor in Iraq than I do now.

Anyhow, all I ask is that we be given a chance, I'm not out to screw anyone, pictures will be taken, boxes will be insured, stuff will be sent, and constructive criticism will be appreciated.

I do have one question- Why does "owner markings" or other engravings devalue the tools so much?

srmofo · Feb 10, 2011

A slightly quicker way might be to lump the sockets together as lots, the wrenches, the ratchets, the pullers, the hammers,etc. Lots generally pull in less money but if you can group 6 listings into 1 then thats 1/6 the time spent. I would avoid craigslist for everythign except the large unshippable stuff.

Keep safety in mind if you do decide to list things locally, Do NOT give out the address where the tools are kept, and do NOT let anyone come to the house and buy anything. There is scum out there that would love to have a easy target such as a lonely widow with a shopping list in hand.

First I would print a complete list of everything available along with new retail prices, ask 50% of retail, Include several nice clear sharp pictures of everything included, Make it a nice presentable portfolio. Spend a day visiting local shops. Several people could make this part go a whole lot quicker. Just ask if there is anything they might be interested and have a black and white cheaper list available they can keep if they want to look through later when they have more time. Make it absolutely clear that it is first come first serve, cash only, absolutely no holding. Offer package deals if multiple items are bought together

I would clear out as much as I could in a month or so , then put the rest on ebay. Make sure the sale dates are the flier as this might push them into an impulse buy mode.

OSAO · Feb 10, 2011

** A good auction company, with this amount of tools, will have 200 trucks show up on a saturday, and bring in $15-30k (before their cut). This is probably the most painless way to get a decent return on the collection. If she hires someone to do it ebay, she's going to end up with just about the same amount at the end, but now has to rely on some "ebay selling guy" with her trust vs. a licensed auctioneer. **

Agreed, plus she would end up with all the undesireable & unshippable items, still clogging up her garage (attempting a sale other than live auction).

Selling all these tools at live auction is deffinintly the way to go. Furthermore, they should go to auction before the lot is cherry picked, to get top dollar for as many of the sub-lots as possible. IE: If only the less desireable items make it to the auction, the results will be dissapointing.

As an "eBay selling guy" who has been there and done that, I would never take on a consignment sale of the implied size of this lot (unless I were to purchase the entire lot at a price that would allow me to at least double my money plus cover the cost of moving and storing the items until the sold)

OSAO · Feb 10, 2011

Why does "owner markings" or other engravings devalue the tools so much?

To the buyers willing to pay top dollar (what ever the top dollar is for used, in good condition) for a name brand tool, the value of the "romance of the chrome" is gone when the previous owner's name is engraved on the tool. Engraved name turns a $100 used SO set of wrenches into a $50 set.

Skyline · Feb 10, 2011

Colotow said:
Well, to address some of the stuff above

I was worried about the low post count, I don't get in here much. I now drive a 30 ton Kenworth wrecker for Bullocks Towing in Salt Lake City, Ut, and I run 5 or 6 states.

My biggest reason for joining here was that the house I bought has (finally) a big enough yard to build a shop (1300-1400 sqft if I can get permitted for it). I was looking for tips and ideas, right now I'll be broke for the next 10 years with what I found on here.

Anyhow, I appreciate all the comments, good and bad, I don't have much experience selling stuff other than a few odds and ends locally on KSL.com. I was here to see what I was up against. The seller has been widowed for a couple years, so she's level-headed, just had no idea where to begin, my role is to help describe, organize, and get her started, and help find places to advertise them, she'd never known about all the truck, tool, garage, and fabrication forums. I volunteered to help, in large part, because I HAVE been on some for a few years, go to Tow411.yuku.com, or powerstroke.org, oilburners, superdutydiesel, dieselbombers,coloradoK5, townation, I'm the only Colotow as far as I know. I had a lot more time during the 3 1/2 years I was a KBR Services contractor in Iraq than I do now.

Anyhow, all I ask is that we be given a chance, I'm not out to screw anyone, pictures will be taken, boxes will be insured, stuff will be sent, and constructive criticism will be appreciated.

I do have one question- Why does "owner markings" or other engravings devalue the tools so much?

What's in this for you? Do you intend to take a percentage? Take your pick of tools? Is this woman someone you're interested in? This is a LOT of work to market seperately to maximize return. While you can use the classifieds here for no charge, I've found better results, with less effort, on eBay. They are worth their fees. Like I said before, sell ONE tool on eBay to get the feel of the amount of work involved. And it's still a decent effort to sell it as a lot.

To market as a lot you will need that comprehensive list, digital photos from every direction of each box and big tool, and a photo of each drawer contents. Post the best single picture on Craigslist, and host them all someplace like Photobucket. Put a link to the other photos in the CL ad. Set a price, I'd try for 35% of list price, and drop it a couple grand each week until it sells.

To answer your last question, engraved tools limit your available market. A lot of buyers won't touch it, (either fussy about their tools, or for fear it's stolen). The remainder of buyers will only buy it at a reduced price....usually somewhere near 25% less.

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